Abstract: A vehicle includes an internal combustion engine and an air induction system configured to provide intake air to the internal combustion engine. The air induction system includes an intake port, an air box coupled to the intake port and having a wet side air box and a dry side air box, at least one sensor disposed within the air box and configured to detect a presence or level of liquid within the air box, and a watertight door disposed within the air box and configured to move between an open position that allows air to pass through the air box dry side, and a closed position that facilitates preventing liquid from passing into the air box dry side.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an internal combustion engine and an air induction system configured to provide intake air to the internal combustion engine. The air induction system includes an intake port, an air box coupled to the intake port and having a wet side air box and a dry side air box, at least one sensor disposed within the air box and configured to detect a presence or level of liquid within the air box, and a watertight door disposed within the air box and configured to move between an open position that allows air to pass through the air box dry side, and a closed position that facilitates preventing liquid from passing into the air box dry side.

Abstract: In a method for analyzing social media messages, the method includes one or more processors analyzing social media messages utilizing a set of topics and keywords associated with a brand. The method further includes one or more processors identifying social media messages that include information relating to the brand utilizing the analysis of social media messages utilizing the set of topics and keywords. The method further includes one or more processors determining relevancy scores for the identified social media messages that provide an indication of the percentage likelihood that a social media message is related to the brand. The method further includes one or more processors determining one or more recommendations of social media users associated with social media messages based on the determined relevancy scores.

Abstract: Methods and systems for implementing personalized driver assistance features such as adaptive cruise control, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, and forward collision warning. The methods and systems collect specific vehicle data and then calculate values that populate a histogram representing driver habits and tendencies regarding following and stopping distances in relation to objects ahead of the vehicle. The methods and systems utilize the histogram data to provide the driver with a personalized driver assistance features.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for unfreezing a window from a window seal are disclosed. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the apparatus includes a vehicle door assembly including a vehicle door and a window. The apparatus further includes a window seal that receives an upper edge of the window and a heating element coupled to the upper edge or the window seal. The system further includes a power source that provides an electrical current to the heating element and a control module configured to receive a remote unlock signal from a remote device, obtain a temperature signal indicating a temperature in response to the remote unlock signal, compare the temperature indicated by the temperature signal to a temperature threshold, and cause the power source to provide the electrical current to the heating element when the temperature is less than the temperature threshold.

Abstract: Methods and systems for implementing personalized driver assistance features such as adaptive cruise control, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, and forward collision warning. The methods and systems collect specific vehicle data and then calculate values that populate a histogram representing driver habits and tendencies regarding following and stopping distances in relation to objects ahead of the vehicle. The methods and systems utilize the histogram data to provide the driver with a personalized driver assistance features.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for unfreezing a window from a window seal are disclosed. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the apparatus includes a vehicle door assembly including a vehicle door and a window. The apparatus further includes a window seal that receives an upper edge of the window and a heating element coupled to the upper edge or the window seal. The system further includes a power source that provides an electrical current to the heating element and a control module configured to receive a remote unlock signal from a remote device, obtain a temperature signal indicating a temperature in response to the remote unlock signal, compare the temperature indicated by the temperature signal to a temperature threshold, and cause the power source to provide the electrical current to the heating element when the temperature is less than the temperature threshold.

Abstract: A vehicle function switch and a controller electrically are connected together. The controller has a passive mode of operation in which the controller is not responsive to activation of the vehicle function switch to transmit a vehicle function signal. The controller also has an active mode of operation in which the controller is responsive to activation of the vehicle function switch to transmit a vehicle function signal. A mode switch is associated with the controller and adapted to cause the controller to change from the passive mode of operation to the active mode of operation.

Abstract: A proximity sensor system for a vehicle in reverse includes a zone detection module. The zone detection module switches a first remote sensor from a first mode corresponding to a near zone rearward of the vehicle to a second mode corresponding to a far zone rearward of the vehicle. The near zone includes an area of coverage wider and shorter in range than an area of coverage of the far zone. A response module responds to first objects in the near zone and selectively responds to second objects in the far zone when the second objects are in motion.

Abstract: A proximity sensor system for a vehicle includes a first remote sensor that senses objects in a rearward area relative to the vehicle. A trailer detection module determines that one of the objects is a trailer that is attached to the vehicle based on a repeating pattern of signals from the first remote sensor. A response module selectively responds to the objects other than the trailer based on the objects outside of a predetermined distance threshold. An indicator responds to response module signals.

Abstract: A structure for retaining a sensor and a body fascia panel entails a bracket, framework, or solid material that defines a receptacle or pocket for a sensor, such as a radar sensor, and a dip or slot such that a body fascia panel may he securely held in place. Additionally, a body fascia panel may exhibit an auxiliary structure that retains the sensor, and a fastener retainer, such as a circular fastener retainer. The structure may be molded directly into the body fascia panel as may the fastener retainer. The slot to retain the body fascia panel may run along the entire length, such as at an upper area, of a bracket, framework or solid material to hold the panel. To protect a sensor, such as a radar sensor, from road debris, water and other elements, a sealant may surround the sensor.

Abstract: A proximity sensor system for a vehicle that is parked includes a first remote sensor that senses objects in a rearward area relative to the vehicle. A park determination module determines the vehicle is parked. A door condition module determines a status of a door of the vehicle. A response module selectively responds to the objects based on door condition module signals and park determination module signals. An indicator responds to response module signals.

Abstract: A proximity sensor system for a vehicle in reverse includes a zone detection module. The zone detection module switches a first remote sensor from a first mode corresponding to a near zone rearward of the vehicle to a second mode corresponding to a far zone rearward of the vehicle. The near zone includes an area of coverage wider and shorter in range than an area of coverage of the far zone. A response module responds to first objects in the near zone and selectively responds to second objects in the far zone when the second objects are in motion.

Abstract: A proximity sensor system for a vehicle includes a first remote sensor that senses objects in a rearward area relative to the vehicle. A trailer detection module determines that one of the objects is a trailer that is attached to the vehicle based on a repeating pattern of signals from the first remote sensor. A response module selectively responds to the objects other than the trailer based on the objects outside of a predetermined distance threshold. An indicator responds to response module signals.

Abstract: A remote control system for a vehicle. The system has a fob with a microphone for receiving audible commands and a radio frequency transmitter for transmitting the commands at a radio frequency via a fob antenna. A receiver for positioning in the vehicle has an antenna for receiving the commands at the radio frequency, a demodulator for recovering the commands, a processor for decoding the recovered commands according to vehicle configuration information, and a network interface for controlling a vehicle system in accordance with the recovered commands and the vehicle configuration information.

Abstract: A remote control system for a vehicle. The system has a fob with a microphone for receiving audible commands and a radio frequency transmitter for transmitting the commands at a radio frequency via a fob antenna. A receiver for positioning in the vehicle has an antenna for receiving the commands at the radio frequency, a demodulator for recovering the commands, a processor for decoding the recovered commands according to vehicle configuration information, and a network interface for controlling a vehicle system in accordance with the recovered commands and the vehicle configuration information.

Abstract: A vehicle function switch and a controller electrically are connected together. The controller has a passive mode of operation in which the controller is not responsive to activation of the vehicle function switch to transmit a vehicle function signal. The controller also has an active mode of operation in which the controller is responsive to activation of the vehicle function switch to transmit a vehicle function signal. A mode switch is associated with the controller and adapted to cause the controller to change from the passive mode of operation to the active mode of operation.

Abstract: A system for enabling wireless communication among a removable stand-alone computer, a built-in vehicular display, and an electrical system of a vehicle. A wireless communications medium couples a third wireless communication interface to a second wireless communication interface, the first wireless communication interface to a third wireless communication interface, and a second wireless communication interface to the third wireless communication interface. The removable stand-alone computer incorporates trip computer functions via the wireless communications medium.

Abstract: A seatbelt drive interlock system for adjusting airbag deployment power based on occupant presence and seatbelt usage enables communication between a plug-and-play stand-alone computer and numerous vehicular electrical systems. Airbag power deployment mode is determined by seatbelt compliance. In addition, seatbelt compliance determines whether the vehicle may enter a drive (forward) position.

Abstract: A communication system includes a removable computer which is information-coupled to a built-in computer system of a vehicle. The computer is removably resident in a predetermined location within the vehicle and communicates with a vehicle computer system either wirelessly or via a connectorized bus. Additionally, the removable computer is video-linked to a driver information display mounted in the instrument panel of the vehicle.